While the news of a government shutdown can be concerning, the threat it poses to your benefits and your ability to receive them is minimal. Even more minimal now that the longest shutdown in U.S. history has finally ended.
There is no cause for alarm. Your benefits will continue to flow, if this ever happens again, and our team is here to guide you through any questions you have concerning your Social Security disability appeals process.
Michael Armstrong Law remained fully open and available to serve our clients throughout the government shutdown period. If this occurs again, we will still diligently serve our community regardless of the government status.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): A government program that provides disability benefits to individuals who have accumulated the necessary work credits through their employment and need financial assistance due to their long-term disability.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A government program that provides supplemental income to individuals with limited income who are disabled, blind, elderly, or otherwise unable to work, regardless of their work history.
- Government Shutdown: Occurs when Congress fails to pass necessary funding bills for the government. Unfortunately, during a shutdown, many government workers can be furloughed (temporary, unpaid leave from work), non-essential programs can be shut down, and some public services can become limited or unavailable.
Due to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) being essential services, these programs are largely unimpacted. Below Are Key Points You Need To Understand About SSDI and SSI in a Government Shutdown:
SSDI and SSI Benefits Are Essential and Mandatory
- These benefits are essential to the quality of life of many Americans; as such they are considered mandatory spending and are not subject to annual appropriations by Congress.
- SSDI and SSI are backed by Social Security trust funds, which means they are automatically dispersed and uninterrupted during a government shutdown.
- Current benefit recipients should be unimpacted.
New SSDI and SSI Applications and Appeals Processing Can Face Delays
- These benefits are essential to the quality of life of many Americans; as such they are considered mandatory spending and are not subject to annual appropriations by Congress.
- SSDI and SSI are backed by Social Security trust funds, which means they are automatically dispersed and uninterrupted during a government shutdown.
- Current benefit recipients should be unimpacted.
- There is little concern for individuals already receiving benefits.
- However, while ongoing benefits and their corresponding recipients are unimpacted, new applications, appeals, and certain administrative functions may experience processing delays.
- SSA may have a more limited workforce during a government shutdown, which may contribute to processing delays.
- SSA access to in-person services and customer service support may be more limited during a government shutdown.
Other Possible Issues That Can Arise for SSDI and SSI During a Government Shutdown
- Technological maintenance of the SSA website may be hindered or delayed until the government shutdown is over.
- Community outreach programs for SSA might be scaled back or suspended during government shutdowns.
What Has Happened to SSDI and SSI in the Past During a Government Shutdown?
During previous government shutdowns, SSA successfully maintained the disbursement of SSDI and SSI benefits to current, qualified program beneficiaries. In 2018-2019, there was a 35-day government shutdown. While the shutdown lasted over a month, SSDI and SSI payments for individuals already receiving benefits continued normally.
However, as stated earlier, new applicants filing initial applications, individuals filing appeals for Social Security disability benefit denials, and individuals waiting for decisions on their SSD applications faced processing delays. In 2013, there was a 16-day shutdown. Similar to the 2018-2019 situation, SSDI and SSI payments disbursement to current program recipients was unhindered in 2013. However, the same administrative services for new applicants and individuals filing appeals for denied SSD claims faced processing delays.
It’s Critical to Educate Yourself Using the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Website
If you are worried about how this shutdown might impact you personally, rest assured: current benefit recipients are protected, and Michael Armstrong Law is actively assisting clients with applications and appeals.
It is critical to consult the SSA Website or contact your local SSA office for the most accurate and up-to-date information. However, if you wish to file an appeal for a denied Social Security disability claim during a government shutdown, our team of Social Security disability legal professionals is here to help you with that process.